MONROVIA, LIBERIA- The National Port Authority (NPA) and HAROPA PORT, in France, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding instituting a durable framework for cooperation in port development, infrastructural modernization, and smart port technologies.

The MoU advances the development agenda of the government to rehabilitate national infrastructure and the cultivation of credible international partnerships as a place of first importance, establishing a non-exclusive platform for reciprocal exchange across five priorities.

The statement named smart port technologies and digital transformation; automated terminal operations and intelligent logistics; infrastructure modernization and rehabilitation; capacity building and technical exchange; and sustainable maritime development as the five priority areas.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NPA Managing Director Sekou Dukuly stressed that “The Memorandum is no formality of parchment and protocol.

The NPA boss described the MOU as the articulation of a shared conviction; that partnership founded upon confidence, candid exchange of knowledge, and sustainable growth.

Dukuly conveyed the Authority’s gratitude to President Joseph Boakai for the sustained confidence and policy direction that made the undertaking possible, and extended the Authority’s appreciation to HAROPA PORT, the Le Havre Port Center, and the Embassy of Liberia in France.

At the same time, Liberia’s Ambassador to France, Teeko Yorlay, lauded the efforts of the Liberian government, adding that the Memorandum consolidates the enduring amity between Liberia and France.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director for International Relations, European Affairs and Strategic Foresight at HAROPA PORT, Cédric Vircigilio, affirmed that cooperation and the sharing of expertise are indispensable to building the ports of tomorrow.